The United Nations Foundation's much talked about charitable #GivingTuesday initiative was in full swing yesterday.

And Ted Turner deserves much of the credit for its success, with his historic $1 billion gift back in 1997 giving birth to the organization (the foundation, while managed separately, works in support of the United Nations).

But Turner found himself on the other side of the coin on Tuesday evening, as the recipient of a rather unique honor bestowed on just a handful of remarkable Americans.

Yesterday, a portrait of the media mogul and noted philanthropist/environmentalist was unveiled with much fanfare at the Smithsonian's famed National Portrait Gallery.

It was painted by John Friedman as part of the museum's 'Recent Acquisitions' exhibit, which showcases the newest additions to the gallery.

The oil on canvas work is intended as a celebration of an extraordinary American icon 'who will continue to inspire change' well into the future. Turner, of course, is probably best known for creating the CNN cable news network back in 1980 (among several other TV properties).

He then leveraged his fortune to become a committed philanthropist with a specific focus on urgent global health and security concerns (e.g., nuclear threats, climate change, etc.).

Turner is also one of the largest individual landowners in North America, with some two million acres of personal and ranch land in his possession. In a nod to his love of the outdoors, his Smithsonian portrait therefore features a scene from his 'Flying D' ranch in southwest Montana.

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Be sure to check out all of our photographs from this event HERE!